June 23, 2026
From WQXR: “Since 1905, the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts has continuously presented free, outdoor classical music concerts to New Yorkers of all walks of life. Named after founder and philanthropist Elkan Naumburg, who donated the Naumburg Bandshell to New York City in 1923, and inspired by his own ardent love of music, the series seeks to stimulate and encourage new and expanded audiences for classical music in the informal and beautiful setting of Central Park. The 2026 concert series continues on Tuesday, June 23 with The Knights under the artistic direction of Colin & Eric Jacobsen. Featured artists include violinist Tessa Lark as soloist in Lisa Bielawa’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and Jamie Bernstein as narrator in a work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. Paul Cavalconte hosts.”
Christina Courtin (b. 1984): rhapsody on being giant proof (2025)
Christina Courtin, violin & vocals
Lisa Bielawa (b. 1968): Violin Concerto No. 2: PULSE (2025)
Tin Pan Alley, 2. The Shapes, 3. Old Time
Tessa Lark, violin
Intermission
Samuel Barber (1910-1981): Adagio for Strings (1936)
Caroline Shaw (b. 1982): The Mountain That Loved A Bird (2017)
Jamie Bernstein, narrator
Paul Simon (b. 1941), arr. Colin Jacobsen (b. 1978): American Tune (2019)
Christina Courtin, vocals
Photo by Zac Nicholson